The following organizations sell computer products, provide information, or conduct training. This list is not intended as a complete listing, nor should it be considered an endorsement of any listed company or their products.
Equipment and Software
Financial Aid for Purchase of Assistive Technology
Computer-Related Publications
Computer Training Facilities/Learning Opportunities
Internet Information Sources
Equipment and Software
American Thermoform Corporation
1758 Brackett St.
La Verne, CA 91750
(909) 593-6711
Toll-free: 1-800-331-3676
Fax: (909) 593-8001
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://americanthermoform.com/
Sells braille embossers; thermoform machines; Perkins braillers; swell-form tactile graphics machines; braille embosser accessories; braille paper, swell touch paper, and braille supplies.
Computers for the Blind
1201 S. Sherman Street Ste. 206
Richardson, TX 75081
(214) 340-6328
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://computersfortheblind.org/
CFTB receives donated computers and other parts and refurbishes them. Accessibility software is then installed along with other software that helps our clients navigate the computers. CFTB is determined to bridge the digital divide for the community of the blind and visually impaired in the U.S. by providing affordable, accessible refurbished computers and training. There are no age or ability restrictions.
Duxbury Systems, Inc.
270 Littleton Rd., Unit 6
Westford, MA 01886-3523
(978) 692-3000
Fax: (978) 692-7912
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.duxburysystems.com/
Makes Duxbury Braille Translator (DBT) for Windows and Macintosh; also has NimPro software, which converts NIMAS files into DBT or MegaDots files and automates many steps needed for quality braille production. Also has SWIFT, QuickTac and Perky Duck software available.
HumanWare
7846 SW Jack James Dr.
Stuart, FL 34997
Toll-free: 1-800-722-3393
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.humanware.com/en-usa/home
Hardware includes braille displays, braille notetakers, talking GPS units, Victor Reader Streams (new generation), and embossers, desktop and handheld magnifiers, and the DeafBlind Communicator. Talking products include scan and read systems, audio graphic calculators, and related software. Also sells Romeo and Juliet braille embossers, Index embossers, Gemini and Phoenix embossers, and more.
IBM USA
IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center
1 New Orchard Road
Armonk, NY 10504-1722
(914) 499-1900
Toll-free: 1-800-426-4968
To send email, visit https://www.ibm.com/contact/us/en/?lnk=flg-cont-usen
Website: https://www.ibm.com/able/
Provides consulting services and does research projects, has accessibility information for its products, and has an accessibility lab.
The Low Vision Store
2200 University Ave. W., Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55114
(651) 203-2200
Toll-free: 1-800-871-8780
Fax: (651) 203-2203
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thelowvisioncenter.com/
Sells MAGic screen enlargement software, JAWS and ZoomText, talking clocks, scanning-and-reading appliances, video and handheld magnifiers, Plextalk DAISY players, keyboards, daily living aids, sewing guides, braille and tactile games, and more. Manufacturer reps for Freedom Scientific, Enhanced Vision, Optelec and Ai Squared.
LS&S LLC
145 River Rock Dr.
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 348-3500
Toll-free: 1-800-468-4789
Toll-free fax: 1-877-498-1482
To send email, go to https://lssproducts.com/contact-us/.
Website: https://www.lssproducts.com/
Sells a variety of CCTVs and accessories; iZOOM software; braille translation software; large-print and big-key keyboards; scanners; reading machines; DAISY book readers; Victor Reader Streams (2nd generation); the Orbit Reader; digital voice recorders; bar code readers; magnifying lamps; talking microwaves; talking and low-vision calculators, and much more.
Maxi-Aids, Inc.
42 Executive Blvd.
Farmingdale, NY 11735
To order, call 1-800-522-6294.
For information, call (631) 752-0521.
Fax: (631) 752-0689
TTY: 1-800-281-3555
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.maxiaids.com/computers
Maxi-Aids sells a variety of computer systems and accessories, braille displays, braille and large-print keyboards, scanners (desktop, portable, and stand-alone), DAISY players, handheld and screen magnifiers, cell phones and accessories, magnification and text-to-speech software, braille calendars, braille kitchen timers, braille watches, braille games, large print calendars and address books, canes, and more.
NanoPac, Inc.
4823 S. Sheridan Rd., Suite 302
Tulsa, OK 74145-5717
(918) 665-0329
Toll-free: 1-800-580-6086
Fax: (918) 665-0361
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://nanopac.com/
Sells ZoomText, MAGic, and Dolphin screen-magnification software; large print keyboards; video magnifiers; a variety of CCTVs; handheld magnifiers; JAWS, Kurzweil and OpenBook software; keyboard notetakers; braille displays; braille embossers; scan-and-read devices; bar code scanners; talking GPS units; Victor Reader Streams; DAISY players; and more.
Personal Data Systems, Inc.
638 Sobrato Ln.
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 866-1126
To send an email, go to www.personaldatasystems.com/contact.html.
Website: www.personaldatasystems.com/default.asp
Is able to repair DECtalk Express synthesizers; sells the Audapter Speech System.
RC Systems, Inc
1609 England Ave.
Everett, WA 98203
(425) 355-3800
Fax: (425) 355-1098
Inquiries/Sales: [email protected]
Website: https://www.rcsys.com
Manufactures DoubleTalk LT speech synthesizers; sells chipsets for DoubleTalk as well.
ViewPlus Technologies
1965 SW Airport Ave.
Corvallis, OR 97333
(541) 754-4002
Toll-free: 1-866-836-2184
Fax: (541) 738-6505
To send email, go to https://viewplus.com/contact/.
Website: https://viewplus.com/
Sells braille embossers, soundproof enclosures, ink-and-braille printers, and software.
Vispero
17757 US Hwy. 19 N, Suite 200
Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 803-8000
Toll-free: 1-800-444-4443
Fax: (727) 803-8001
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://vispero.com/
This company is an amalgamation of Freedom Scientific and Ai Squared, Enhanced Vision, Optelec, GW Micro, and The Paciello Group. Products include screen-reading software for the blind, magnification software for those with low vision, and other products for accessible scanning and reading, as well as braille displays, notetakers, and the PAC Mate, an accessible PDA for the blind. Also sells the Eye-Pal Ace and Ace Plus, portable scanning-reading-magnifying devices, and the ElBraille, a portable braille computer.
Zoomax Technology
6 Liberty Square
Boston, MA 02109
Toll-free: 1-833-265-3324
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.zoomax.com/
Sells a variety of desktop, handheld and portable video magnifiers, as well as low vision e-glasses.
Financial Aid for Purchase of Assistive Technology
Many local vocational rehabilitation offices provide financial assistance for adapted equipment and may also be able to identify other organizations that provide assistance. Contact your local office for detailed information.
Many state governments provide a variety of programs and services to the blind and visually impaired such as low interest loans. Contact your local government agency for specific information in your state.
Assistive Technology Industry Association
330 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60611-4267
Toll-free: 1-877-687-2842
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.atia.org/at-resources/what-is-at/resources-funding-guide/
Lists a variety of sources for funding assistive technology.
Association of Blind Citizens
PO Box 246
Holbrook, MA 02343
(781) 961-1023
Website: https://www.blindcitizens.org/assistive_tech.htm
Operates the Assistive Technology Fund. The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) will provide funds to cover 50% of the retail price of adaptive devices or software. Products covered by this program must retail for a minimum of $200 with a maximum retail price of $6,000. Persons eligible to apply for assistance must have a family income of less than $50,000 and cash assets of less than $20,000.
Applicants must be legally blind and a resident of the United States to qualify for this program. Applications must be submitted by June 30th and December 31st for each grant period (two per year). Applicants may submit one request per calendar year. All applications must be submitted via e-mail. All decisions are final.
California Council of the Blind
3254 Hurley Way, Suite 102
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-2100
Toll-free in California: 1-800-221-6359
Fax: (916) 441-2188
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ccbnet.org/
Provides no-interest loans to blind and visually impaired residents of California for special equipment needed to enhance employability.
Lions Clubs International
300 W. 22nd St.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842
(630) 571-5466
Fax (630) 571-8890
To send email, go to https://lionshelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=360000118928.
Website: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en
To find a local club: https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/club-locator
Local chapters of Lions Clubs may provide assistance to individuals. To obtain contact information for your local Lions club, visit the Lions Clubs International web site, or contact your local Chamber of Commerce.
Missouri Council of the Blind
5453 Chippewa St.
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 832-7172
Toll-free: 1-800-342-5632
Fax: (314) 832-7796
Email: [email protected]
Web site: https://www.moblind.org/
Has a matching grant program of up to $3,000 over a five-year period for adaptive technology. Legally blind residents of Missouri are eligible to apply.
Computer-Related Publications
American Foundation for the Blind
1101 Wilson Blvd., 6th Floor
Arlington, VA 22209
(212) 502-7600
To send email, go to https://www.afb.org/about-afb/contact-afb.
Website: https://www.afb.org
AccessWorld site: https://www.afb.org/aw
Publishes “AccessWorld,” a free monthly magazine on adaptive technology and visual impairment. It covers products, techniques, books and videos, tips, field reports, and more. The magazine is published online only.
Learning Ally
20 Roszel Rd.
Princeton, NJ 08540
Toll-free: 1-800-221-4792
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.learningally.org
Provides an online library of more than 80,000 audio textbooks and literature. Also has a variety of programs for teachers and students.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542-4962
(202) 707-5100
Toll-free: 1-800-424-8567
Fax: (202) 707-0712
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.loc.gov/nls/
Loans many books on computers, has a circular on assistive technology. NLS also provides reference services on blindness-related topics.
Special Needs Project – America’s Disability Bookstore
1000 E. Maple Ave.
Lompoc, CA 93436
Phone: (805) 962-8087
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://specialneedsproject.com/
Offers books on disabilities, assistive technology, fidget items, books on parenting and special needs, and more.
Trace Research & Development Center
College of Information Studies, University of Maryland
Room 2117 Hornbake Bldg., South Wing
4130 Campus Dr.
College Park, MD 20742
Phone: (301) 405-2043
Fax: (301) 314-9145
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://trace.umd.edu/
The Trace Research & Development Center is a part of the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland. Founded in 1971 by a group of students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Trace has been a pioneer in the field of technology and disability, known for high-impact research and development.
Computer Training Facilities/Learning Opportunities
In addition to the training available through your state rehabilitation service, and independent rehabilitation organizations which you may have in your area, the following training options are available to persons in their areas.
Carroll Center for the Blind
770 Centre St.
Newton, MA 02458
(617) 969-6200
Fax: (617) 969-6204
To send an email, go to https://carroll.org/connect-with-us/
Website: https://carroll.org/
Provides evaluation, training, information and technical assistance on adaptive technology to consumers, professionals and employers. Training is available at the Carroll Center or on the job site.
Cleveland Sight Center
1909 E. 101st St.
Cleveland, OH 44106-8696
(216) 791-8118
Fax: (216) 791-1101
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.clevelandsightcenter.org/
Offers many programs, including independent living, orientation and rehabilitation, utilizing electronic resources, and training on adapted computers.
Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
180 Livingston Street, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 522-2212
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.helenkeller.org/hks/ccvip
Provides courses and training for computer professionals, teachers, and high school students. Courses are available in the center as well as online and one-on-one. Also provides braille translation services and offers demonstrations of assistive technology.
National Braille Press
88 Saint Stephen St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 266-6160
Toll-free: 1-800-548-7323 (ext. 520)
Fax: (617) 437-0456
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.nbp.org
Sells a number of books about technology, from “Android Commands and Settings” to “Computers You Can Talk To: Siri, Alexa, Google Now and Cortana,” “Go Where You Wanna Go: Using GPS on the iPhone” to “Microsoft Windows 10 Keystroke Compendium: Creators Update,” and many more. Also offers tactile maps originally made by The Princeton Braillists.
Internet Information Sources
In addition to the organizations listed above, you may want to try some of these websites and email lists.
ACB-Conversation
An active discussion list on topics related to blindness, blindness organizations, including guide dogs, pedestrian safety, accessibility of ATMs, rehabilitation and much more. To sign up, send a blank email message to [email protected].
Atlanta VA Center for Visual & Neurocognitive Rehabilitation
Atlanta VA Medical Center
1670 Clairmont Rd.
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 728-5064
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.varrd.emory.edu/
The Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR) is focused on enhancing veterans’ health by conducting research on the rehabilitation of visual and related neurological impairments. Research spans the gamut from the basic science of repair mechanisms through the development of creative rehabilitative interventions to improve function and social re-integration.
Low Vision Resource Center
4948 St. Elmo Ave., Suite 209
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 951-4444
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.youreyes.org/programs/low-vision/#low-vision-learning-center
The Low Vision Learning Center aims to help people with low vision discover the aids and strategies that will help them lead a full, happy, and independent life. Appointments are needed to visit LVC. A typical appointment lasts about 1 to 1 1/2 hours and may include discussion of lighting and contrast, hands-on demonstration of handheld magnifiers and CCTVs, and a chance to explore daily life aids such as talking clocks, writing guides, and touch enhancements.
Microassist
8500 Shoal Creek
Building 4, Suite 225
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 794-8440
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.microassist.com/
Accessibility Services: https://www.microassist.com/accessibility/
Microassist provides services and information related to digital accessibility. Also offers a variety of e-learning courses. publishes “Accessibility in the News” weekly email newsletter; it features articles covering accessibility compliance, implementation, innovation, and legal activity. The company’s Digital Accessibility Digest blog provides news and information of interest to web, content, and application developers, as well as IT departments and legal counsel.
Updated May 16, 2023